Gorilla to predict Super Bowl winner

BOSTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Officials at Boston's Franklin Park Zoo said their star gorilla, Little Joe, will be asked Friday to predict the outcome of the Super Bowl.

The zookeepers said Little Joe, whose 19th birthday party is scheduled for the same day as the big game, will be given two boxes Friday, one labeled for the New York Giants and one labeled for the New England Patriots, The Boston Globe reported Thursday.

"We know his heart lies with his family at Franklin Park Zoo, so we've got a feeling his pick will make us proud," the zoo said on its Web site.

Zookeepers said Little Joe, who is considered one of the facility's smartest animals, will then be treated to a Super Bowl-themed birthday party Sunday with special treats for him and his gorilla friends.

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.